Brahma has four faces and eight hands; a feature that could have given rise to the name four faced Buddha. He is the god of creation, mercy and benevolence. He sits atop a lotus leaf; the lotus flower is commonly used for prayers at Thai shrines and altars.

The shrine of the four faced Buddha was named the Erawan Shrine after Erawan, Indra's three-headed elephant. The original version actually has 33 heads! However Erawan is symbolically represented with three.

The four faces symbolize the four books of the Vedas, the Hindu scriptures and the source of all knowledge in the creation of the universe.

The eight hands, symbolize the omnipresence and power of Lord Brahma.

The upper right hand carries a rosary, symbolizing the cycle of life from creation to death. The upper left hand carries the Vedas, symbolizing knowledge and intellect.

The lower left hand carries a pot of water representing cosmic energy of creation. The lower right hand bestows grace and protection.

The golden swan, the mythical steed of Brahma, is also revered in Thai culture. The royal barge, Suphannahongsa was named after the golden swan, which has been the name of the King's personal barge since King Rama I.

Over the years, Brahma's knowledge and power has granted the wishes of
many.

Word of the power of this famous deity has spread far and wide and
the legend of the Erawan Shrine has been the source of hope and
sustenance.

Thais and ethnic Chinese from SE Asia, Taiwan and Hong Kong, who are mainly Buddhists and Taoists, flock to the shrine to pray and seek the blessings of the four-faced Brahma.

The four faced statue at the Erawan Shrine is a Hindu legacy in Bangkok that has become a fusion of faiths.

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This is my first e-book and if you are an independent traveler, this handy e-guide book will help you along as you explore the streets of Bangkok and discover its old treasures. It's complete with historical descriptions, maps and detailed directions on how to get to these places.